Toll checking system



6 Sheets-Sheet l JNVENTORS. BENJAMIN 600/ 62 ALBERT E HOHMAA/A/ lll ll l IIIXII rlllllllflll lhllllL Mg ghhggw aw B. COOPER ET AL TOLL CHECKING SYSTEM I I I l E E I.IH MMQ fig g Ii T 8 lllllll-IIII F' I I J W ATTOIQA/FX FIG. I.

@ f i WHMHH H HH July 13, 1954 Filed Nov. 29, 1951 TOLL CHECKING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 29, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 MITIITHITIITTI IN VEN TORS. 14 BENJAMIN coop'z July 13, 1954 B. COOPER ET AL 2,683,870

TOLL CHECKING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 29, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 ,i 1 I Z 1 INVENTORS. 5EA/JAM/N COOP/Se BY I 445527,: Hal/MANN A 7 TOPA/fX July 13, 1954 B. COOPER ET AL TOLL CHECKING SYSTEM 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed NOV. 29, 1951 FIG-.4.

TL FIG. 5.

July 13, 1954 B. COOPER ET AL TOLL CHECKING SYSTEM 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed NOV. 29, 1951 z m a Z w IN V EN T 0R5 BEA/MA MIN 6 OOPEB BY ,4 I. EERT HOHMA NN FIGIZ.

A TTOENEY- July 13, 1954 B. COOPER ET AL 2,683,870

TOLL CHECKING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 29, 1951 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 410 AC6 ACH FIG. l3.

IN V EN TORS. BENJAM/N COOPEQ AL BERT/r HUI/MANN FIG-J2.

Patented July 13, 1954 UNITED STAES TENT OFFICE 14 Claims.

This invention relates generally to toll'checking systems and in particular to a toll register for registering and indicating data incident to the collection of tolls.

With rising costs of operation and main}- tenance, many toll roads, bridges and tunnels were required to discontinue conventional fixed fee toll charges and initiate a program of toll charges based on relative size and type of vehicle. As result thereof, commercial trucking vehicles presented a special problem due to the wide variance in capacity and size and-accordingly, an equitable solution resolved in the establishment of toll charges based. on the number 0:"; axles per vehicle. The existing toll registering apparatus required adaptation to provide for the increased number of differing tolls and in accordance therewith, supplemental appa ratus was required to register the increased vehicular classifications. The effort to accurately register the toll revenue introduced burdens upon the toll operators and "permitted errors to occur. Further, the operation of multiple registration apparatus increased the time consumed by each toll transaction and resulted in traffic jams.

The present invention relates to indicating means associated with a toll register of the character described in applicants co-pending U. 8. application, Serial No. 243,252, filed August 23, 1951, wherein the desired registration apparatus is assembled as a unit having inter-related manual controls that are simple and positive in'operation.

Therefore, one object of the'invention is'to provide in a toll register of the character'described, a plurality of toll registering keys each being of a differing denomination; an interlock for saidkeys to prevent concurrent actuation of two or more keys, a plurality of independently operable keys, each being of still different denorninaticn; a plurality of classification keys, each being interlocked to prevent concurrent actuations of two or more of said classification keys; a transaction key to register a charge or credit transaction; and related indicating devices associated with the respective keys to indicate the amount and classification of eachtransaction.

The invention is further directedtoward the provision of an overhead indicating device that may be observed by supervisory personnel at a point remote from thetoll station. Said device is operable with each register-actuation to indicate the amount of the collected toll and the classification 01" the vehicle paying such atoll.

2 The provision of visible indicator means permits checking of the accuracy of toll collection operations and tends to prevent surreptitious prac-' tices.

Therefore, another object is-to provide in an indicating device formed by a plurality of individually energizable electrical devices, means to energize difiering combinations of said electrical devices to represent-the amount and classification of the 'difiering transactions.

Another object resides in the provision elf means to extinguish said indicating devices for a predetermined portion of each transaction cycle; energize said devices for a greater predetermined period ofsaid'transaction cycle; and retain said indicating device in energized condition after said transaction cycle has been completed until a second classification transaction is initiated.

Other ancillary objects will in-part be obvious andin part'hereinafter pointed out.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1-is a front elevation of a keybox.

Fig. 2 is a side elevationtaken in cross section along'line 2-2 of Fig. 1, illustrating the-timer unit, the push button switch selector and the key-operated identifier and-push button lock.

Fig. 3 is a rearelevation partially cut away, of'the keybox with cover'removed illustrating the disposition of the components including the pulsar mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a bottomview taken in cross section along line l-t of Fig. 2, illustrating the push buttons and related elements in their normal positions.

Fig. 4a is a fragmentary cross section of a toggle actuated switch locking means in locking position.

Fig. 4b is a fragmentary side elevation'of the switch locking means illustrated in Figs. 4 and 4a.

Fig. 4c is a fragmentary side elevation of a push button locking pawl and support.

Fig. 5 is a bottom 'view'of the lock bar-releasing mechanism taken in cross section along line 5--'5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 isan enlarged fragmentary detail of the timer unit clutch ,with' the'clutchfacing cut away.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary cross section of-the timer unit switchcontrolling cams.

Fig. '8 is an'enlargedfragmentaryview-oi the intermediate mounting structure for the split push button lockingshaft taken alcng-'line :8-=8 of Fig. 3.

Fig. '9 is a fragmentary fronteleva'tion of the timer unit.

3 and 11 are views illustrating the long of the identifier Figs. and short forms, respectively, keys.

Figs. 12 and 13 are schematic wiring diagrams of the indicator electrical circuits.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing the assembled relationship of Figs. 12 and 13.

Referring to Figs. 1, 2 and 3, of the drawings in detail, it generally designates a keybox embodying the present invention. Keybox H1 comprises a vertical frame wall I! supported by a horizontal base wall 12 and reinforced by angular braces i3. Walls H and 52 are provided with recessed margins Hi to receive the marginal edges of a cover l5 therein. Formed in spaced parallel relation in wall H are two vertical rows of concentric through apertures !8 having push buttons i8 disposed therein. Each of the apertures it is enlarged at the rear terminal thereof to form a shoulder 2%. Radial flanges .2! on said push buttons are arranged to reside in the enlarged openings and abut against shoulders 26. Disposed in the lower portion of wall H are through apertures 22, 23 provided for a purpose hereinafter appearing.

Keybox ii is arranged to receive component units 2 5, 25, 26 and 21 therein. Unit 24 is a push button switch selector; unit 25 is a timing device; unit 25 is a pulsing device and unit 2i is a key-operated identifier and push button lock.

Push button selector unit 24 generally comprises an internal frame 33 having a front vertical wall 3i and horizontal upper and lower walls 32, 33 respectively. Interposed between walls 32, 3 33, Figs. 3 and l, are plural vertical spacer rods 36 and 35. Rods 35 have secured to the forward side thereof guide plates 36 that are each perforated with a row of vertically disposed rectangular openings 36a.

Vertical wall 3| is secured to frame wall H, as by screws 37 and spacers All and has provided therein plural rows of concentric apertures 4| coaxially disposed relative to push button apertures i6. Secured in apertures ii are buffer inserts t2 and centrally formed therein are rectangular openings Ma. Openings Ma are disposed in alignment with openings 36a and in each related pair, a push button slide bar 43 or 330. is slidably supported. Each of said slide bars is anchored at one end in a push button E8, thus, manual depression of a push button imparts rearward movement to the related slide bar. When so actuated, push button 18 abuts against buffer insert 42 to limit the rearward movement thereof. Slide bars 43 have pins 45 transversely extending therefrom. interposed between each pin "45 and a bracket i8 secured, as by rivets ll, to buffer insert 42, is a coil spring as that is tensioned to urge said slide bar forwardly to seat push button flange 2| against shoulder 29. Adjacent slide bars 43 is a vertical angle bracket 5! having arm 5m secured, as by screws 52 and spacers 53, to vertical frame wall 3E. Arm 51b of bracket 5! is disposed parallel to slide bars 43 and has affixed thereon plural switch groups 5 Means are provided to actuate a switch group 54 when the related slide bar G3 is actuated by the depression of its associated push button it. To this end there is secured to each bar 43, a U-shaped member 55 having parallel tran versely extending arms 55a and a pair of coaxial rollers 58 rotatably secured therebetween. Rollers 56 are normally disposed in engagement with one contact of each switch in switch groups 54.

4 Therefore, rearward actuation of slide bars 43 releases rollers 56 from engagement with said contacts and actuates the respective switches. Switch groups 54 control means disclosed in the cited co-pending application and form no part of the present invention.

Mounted on wall 3!, parallel to slide bars 43a, as by screws 58, are a plurality of U-shaped members til each having parallel horizontal walls 6i and an interconnecting vertical wall G2. Mounted on the vertical wall 62 of each U-shaped memher are plural switch groups 63, each comprising the normally biased to closed position insulated spring fingers, but maintained open when the device is not in operation, in the manner hereinafter appearing.

Means is provided to permit a group of open switches 63 to close when the respective push button is pressed, and to open again when pressure is released from said push button allowing said push button to return to its initial position.

To this end, on the outer surfaces of horizontal walls 6! and near the edges thereof are stud pins 65. Rotatably mounted on said stud pins is a toggle unit 66, comprising a pair of aligned bell cranks 51', having arms 68 and 69, and being terconnectecl by spacer rods i8 and H. Rotatably mounted on spacer rod H are two insulated rollers l2. Said rollers contact one of the spring fingers of switches 83 holding the spring fingers apart.

Afiixed to the inner surface of horizontal walls 6!, are stud pins '13. Said stud pins 65, '13 are in vertical planes parallel to front wall 3 l. Ro-

- tatably mounted about stud pins '13 is a toggle unit 14, comprising a pair of aligned bell cranks l5 having arms 76 and ll, and being interconnected by means of spacer rods 76 and '19. Rod 18 is connected to rod 78 by a coil tension spring 88. A roller 8! is rotatably mounted on rod 19 carried by arms 16. Roller 8! is disposed inbetween arms 82a of U-shaped member 82 secured to slide bar 33a. Pressing a related push button 58 will thus rotate unit "M in a clockwise direction from the position viewed in Figure 4 to the position illustrated in Figure 4a.

By rotating toggle unit M in a clockwise direction, spring 38 is rotated in clockwise direction about the rod 12!. When spring 86 passes beyond a line interconnecting rods (8 and 18, a pulling force will be exerted on toggle unit 86 urging it to rotate in counter-clockwise direction. The rotation of a toggle unit 56 will be halted when rod lfl engages the upper margins of horizontal walls 6|. The degree of rotation of toggle unit M is controlled by the movement of U-shaped member 82.

Upon release of slide bar 43a, push button IE will return to initial position. Spring 56 exerts a leftward pull on toggle unit '54, rotating the same in a counter-clockwise direction until button flange 24 again contacts shoulder 26 in vertical frame wall I i. Spring will be rotated by toggle unit 'id, in a counter-clockwise direction about rod '60. When spring 86 passes beyond a line interconnecting rods 'l-J and it, force will be exerted on toggle unit 66 rotating it in a clockwise direction until rod 10 contacts the upper margins of horizontal walls 6!.

The spring fingers of each switch in a group 53 are normally held out of engagement by the insulated roller '52 on toggle unit 66. By rotation of toggle unit 66 in a counter-clockwise direction upon depressing a push button, said spring fingers are allowed to contact. The return of ageesss'zo d toggle unit as to its initial position will again interpose the insulated rollers between the related spring fingers, opening the'contaots.

A plurality of switches 83 mounted on a vertical plate 83' afiiized to a spacer rod 35 are adapted to be individually actuated by the respective toggle units 55. nterconnecting toggle units 68 and switches 83 plural bell-crank members 84 journalled in spaced relation on a vertical shaft 8-5 affixed to the upper and lower frame walls 32 and 33 respectively. Bell-crank members 86 comprise a pair of bell-cranks 86 disposed in parallel relation and formed with a transverse bridge portion 35a between the respective 86b thereof. interposed between arms 830 is a roller 8'! arranged for engagement withcontact 83a of switch 83. Bridge portion @811 of member 84 is disposed in engagement with toggle unit 86 and is held in engagement therewith by means ofa coil spring tla. With toggle unit 55 in actuated position, roller Bl presses contact 830. into engagement with contact 83b. The restoring of toggle unit 56 to its initial position releases rollers El and permits switch 33 to open. A locking device 83, Figs. l, 4a and lb, is provided to latch bell-crank member 84 against restoration to its initial position and consequently reta' s switch 33 closed. Locking device 88 compris a plurality of resilient fingers 8S} transversely extenling from a pivotal vertical shaft Pi. Arm s: secured to shaft 98 is urged by spring means, not in a clockwise direction to maintain fingers 59 in operating relationship with members st.

Finger iiiis disposed to normally abut against the base of slot iii? recessed in bell-crank bridge portion Sta. The terminal portion 890, of finger 89 is angulariy formed whereby clockwise rotation of bell-crank members B cams said finger counterclockwise, as shown in Figure 4. Continued clockwise rotation of bell-crank member as permits finger 85 to drop out of slot 'QLFig. la, to engage bridge portion 85a and thus prevent counter-clockwise rotation thereof after toggle unit 66 has restored to its initial position. In this manner, switch 83 is held closed after push button l8 has been released.

The actuation of second push button l8-and its respective toggle unit will cam all fingers 8S counter-clockwise which permits the previously held bell crank unit as to return to openswitch position, under the influence of its related spring Bio. The operation of locking devices 88 is completely disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 2,293,935, issued August 25, 1942.

Thus, it is apparent that switch 83 associated with a depressed push button will remain closed after the release of push button until a second push button in the same group is subsequently depressed.

Switches 33 control overhead indicating means, as will hereinafter be described in detail.

Secured to the inner sides of the respective slide bars as by screws 9%, are interlock oarnniing members as having serrated racks es integrally formed on one face thereof. Means are provi ed to co erate with racks as 'to'retain actuated or depr push buttons in actuate: condition. To this end there are provided a pair of vertical fixed bars 9? secured'to the rear of frame wail ii and interposed between the respective push button slide bars 43, Ma. Secured to bars 9?, as by screws 98, are plural bifurcated members let (see Figs. 4 and 40). Each member EM] is'disposed in the plane of a respectivepush shaft 105a clockwise, as viewed in Figure i,

button slide bar and has interposed tines Hit, a pawl H12. Pawls 102 are pivotally secured, as by pins 03, to members Hi8. Each pawl afiixed thereto, a leaf spring Hi l, the .freetermh nal of which is disposed intermediate-tines it)! toabut against member Hi8 and pawl 22. Accordingly, said pawls are urged into engagement with racksfifi. Depression of a push button slide bar 43 or 43a causes rack 96 to displace pawl 362 as each tooth on said rack rides thereunder. Thusgpawl H32 normally engages rack 95 to'prevent retraction of the respective slide bar 63, 33a by spring 50.

Meansare provided to release pawls I532 from racks '96 to'enable springs 58 to return all depressed push buttons to normal position. To this end there is provided a pair of vertical rotatable shafts I and IBM of substantially rectangular cross-section, journalied in the respective upper and lower frame walls 32 and 33. Each of said shafts has a longitudinal recess H35 in which projections 32a of pawls I 82 reside. Flange 18a accordingly, abuts against said pawl projections.

Push button 182', designated the release button, has affixed to the slide bar 53a associated therewith, a bracket is]. Adapted to be engaged by bracket Hl'l is a roller Hi8 carried by a lever H9. Lever H9 is afiixed to shaft it. Thus, rearward movement of slide bar 43a and-bracket l3? pivots lever H6 and shaft H35 counter-clockwise. Flange lilfia on shaft H35 engages the related pawl projections IBM and pivots said pawls clockwise out of engagement with any of the depressed racks 95. Slide barst, therefore, are free to return to normal position under the infiuence .of springs 50.

Shafts 165 and 565s have affixed thereto, Fig. 3, adjacent the upper frame wall 32, meshing pinions Hi, H2 respectively. Afdxed to the upper terminal of shaft lddc is a cam ['53 aroller H4 journalled thereon. adapted to be engaged by means her i scribed, to rotate shaft counter-pic release those push buttons held depressed pawls I82. While it appears that a rack as is afiixed to the slide bar 33a, Fig. 4, associated with release button Hit, it will be understood that the illustrated rack is actually mounted on the slide bar 33a associated with push button i851. Obviously, it is not desirable to retain r -ease button Hz in depressed condition, therefore, 96 is omitted from the related slide bar ass. Therefore, said button immediately returns to normal position upon the release or" manual pres sure.

Disposed adjacent slide bars i3, 330, and jour" nalled in the upper and lower frame walls 33 are push button locking shafts Shafts H5, llEa are disposed to enga tions H8 inwardly extending tive slide bars i3 and 43a to movement of said slide bars. Shafts H5, are pivoted from the angular-projection engaging position shown in Figure to a position s stantially parallel to said slide bars where slide bar projections are not engageable shafts. As shown in Fi ure 5, sh fts ii have secured thereto, arm tile, tilt rcsp 1y. Eivotably secured to the terminals or arms Illa, N12), is a link H8. Secured to one of said shafts is a second arm H9. Arm it?! pivotally secured to plunger l iii of solenoid is! secured tothe under sideof'wall-iaas by bracket 22. A spring 523 interposed between arm IIS and a pin I24 affixed to wall 33, urges said arm clockwise to normally position shafts I I in slide bar locking position. Therefore, only when so1enoid I25 is energized, and shafts H5 are rotated to non-locking position, are push buttons I8 depressable. The means for energizing solenoid I2I is disclosed in the cited co-pending appli cation.

Means are provided to prevent the concurrent depression of more than one push button in certain groups of said buttons. As shown in Figure 1, push buttons i8 are further designated as ISa, 8b, 630, etc. Push button lBa, the charge button, is independently actuable. Push buttons IBb through i3h are provided with interlocking means that prevent actuation of a second push button while one of said group of push buttons is actuated. Analogously, push buttons Iak through I63 are provided with interlocking means to prevent concurrent actuation of two or more push buttons in said group. The remaining push buttons I89 and Ifit are independently actuable.

The interlocking means comprises the camming members 95, affixed to the respective slide bars 63 and lit-3a, and coaoting pivotally mounted levers I25; Figure 2. Each lever I25 is formed with diametrically opposite wing portions I26 and laterally extending projection I21. Levers I25 are pivotally secured, as by screws 28, to a pair of spaced vertical bars I29 interposed between and ailixed to the upper and lower frame walls 32 and 33, pivotally secured, as by screws I33, to projection I2! cf the next higher lever I25. Analogously, a second link MI is disposed between the latter lever I25 and the next higher lever of the group. Links ISI interconnect adjacent levers 25 in each group in the hereinbefore described manner.

Levers i253 are so arranged, that actuation of a respective push button causes camming member 56 thereon to displace adjacent levers I25 upwardly and downwardly, respectively. Member 86 cams wing portions I26 of adjacent levers I25 apart and retains said levers in separated condition. The remaining levers I25 cannot be sufficiently separated by a second camming member 98 to permit the latter member and associated slide bar to move rearwardly. Therefore, the proportionate spacing between levers E25 prevents concurrent actuation of two or more push buttons.

Means is provided to retain depressed push buttons it in depressed condition for a predetermined period of time to insure registration of the toll data associated with the respective push buttons. To this end there is provided a timing unit 25, Figs. 2, 6, 7 and 9, comprising a gear reduction box 35 aflixed to the upper side of frame wall 32. Secured to the rear side of gear box H5 is an electric motor I36 which is arranged to rotate forwardly extending shaft it? at a reduced speed. Journalled on shaft i3? is a sleeve E38, the forward end of which is secured to clutch casing I lfla of clutch I40. Secured to the portion of shaft :3? in clutch casing Him is a ratchet wheel i ii. Pivotally secured to the in ner face of clutch casing Mao: is a pawl Hi2 having a portion Uifa projecting radially from said clutch casing. A leaf spring I43 urges pawl I 22 into engagement with ratchet wheel Hi1. Secured to gear box 35 is a bracket I44 and journalled in said bracket is a shaft M5. Arm M6 affixed to shaft Hi5 has a projection I461; extending perpendicularly therefrom. Projection MM is arranged to engage the projecting portion I l2a of pawl I42, to disengage said pawl from ratchet wheel I4l. Thus, shaft I3! may freely revolve while clutch casing I lfla and sleeve I38 remain stationary. Secured to shaft I45 is a lever E41 provided with a perpendicularly extending arm I il'a. Arm Mia is engageable by armature Hi8 of solenoid I56. Energization of solenoid I59 by means disclosed in the cited copending application, attracts armature I 38 thereto to rotate lever Ifi'l, shaft Hi5 and arm I46. Projection I460. on arm Hit disengages from pawl projection {32a permitting said pawl to engage ratchet wheel MI. Accordingly, clutch casing Mild rotates with shaft I31. Torsion spring I5I circumjacently disposed on shaft I45 has one end secured to lever I4; and the other end secured to bracket 14%, and upon deenergization of solenoid 56, arm M6 is returned by said spring to engage pawl M2 and disengage said pawl from ratchet wheel I il. Solenoid IE0 is momentarily energized, therefore, lever i 15 returns to its pawl engaging position immediately after clutch casing i ida starts rotating and thereby limits the revolving of said casing to one revolution. Afnxed to and rotatable with sleeve I38 is a cam i522. Pivotally secured to gear box I35 is a lever 253 having a follower roller I54 journalled on one end thereof and disposed for peripheral engagement with cam 552. The other end of lever I53 is disposed for engagement with a normally open micro-switoh. Cain 552 is so formed that roller i5 5 resides on a high dwell of cam 552 when clutch Me is disengaged. Accordingly, said microswitch is closed thereby and is arranged to control electrical indicating devices hereinafter appearing.

As shown in Figure 9, the outer casing I40a of clutch N18 has secured thereon, a cam high dwell I55. Engageable by said cam is roller H4 journalled on arm H3 afiixed to shaft i511. Cam high dwell I56 is arranged to engage roller H4 substantially near the end of one revolution of clutch casing MIL i. Therefore, shafts I35 and ifific are actuated through roller El i and arm I I3 to release all depressed push buttons.

Thus, it is apparent that all manually depressed push buttons 58 having racks 96 thereon, will remain depressed for a predetermined period of time under the control of timer unit 25.

Unit 21, Figs. 2 and 3, the key-operated identiher and push button key-lock control, provides a means to unlock push buttons I8 for subsequent operation and further produce a record of identification of the operator using said keybox. Unit 21 comprises a pair of key-receivers H58 and I600. mounted in a frame EESI. Key-receiver E69 comprises a fixed cylindrical lock barrel I62 disposed in aperture 23 and secured to frame ISI and vertical front frame ii. Rotatable within barrel E62 is a tumbler lock cylinder I53 having a camming segment I64 secured, as by nut 163a, to the rear terminal thereof. Cylinder 53 is rotatable by means of a removable key I65, however, said lcey may only be removed when said cylinder is disposed in one of two angular positions.

Key-receiver Ifiiia comprises a fixed cylindrical barrel E63 formed with a reduced diametrical portion 56a and a through concentric bore I61. Portion I660; is provided with an arcuate transverse peripheral slot 5'63 of substantially ninety degrees are communicating with bore I61. J ournalled on the periphery of portion 66a is a collar. I70 having an axial slot ITI formed in the periphery thereof. Secured in a suitable aperture in collar I'Ili is an inwardly extending radial pin E12 arranged to project through slot it into bore 553. Thus collar ilI'I is retained on portion 166a and limited in rotation to the length of slot I58. Collar filo has provided on the internal periphery thereof, a spring loaded ball b e arranged to cooperate with a eoncen l I18 formed on the outer periphery of portion W655 and functions in a well known manner to prevent vibratory rotation of collar Ilt.

Cylindrical barrel 555 is further provided with plural raised bosses H5, I154;- and l? H5, ilia have suitable coaxial apertures ther in which a rod H6 is slidably journa' Circumjacently disposed on rod I18 coil spring I1? and a fixed sleeve I18. Rod I76 is of such length as to terminate at one end in alignment with the outer sides of boss I15 and extend at the other end externally of boss 5755c. Spring I'll and sleeve 513 normally urge rod 516 to extend externally of boss 415a. interposed between boss I'iiic and boss I152; is cainming segment to l. Cumming segment I 8 has an inclined recess I'Ma formed in one corner thereof, in which the normally projecting terminal portion of rod lit resides. The rotatable segment 7 2 is arranged to cam rod il s rearwardly upon clockwise rotation of key IE5. However, rod 2'35 is stopped by collar I'Ie except when slot I? I in said collar is positioned in alignment with said rod. When said slot is not aligned with rod lit, segment its cannot be rotated since the rod projects into segment recess I G la. Therefore, key I55 is not removable unless collar I'll} is disposed with slot l'II in alignment with rod I15. Collar lib is rotatable by means of a special identifier key I79.

Key I'IS, formed with a peripheral axial groove I89, Figures 2, 3, 10 and 11, is insertable in bore It 'i substantially for the length thereof whereby pins I85, ll? enter said. groove. Pin I85 is secured to cylindrical barrel I56 and projects downwardly into bore I B? to prevent the entry of surreptitious keys. Key I13 is further provided with a transverse groove 582 wherein pin I8I may enter upon the rotating of said key. Groove E82 insures the complete insertion of the key, prior to the rotating thereof. Disposed in cylinder barrel its diametrically opposite to pin I8I, are plural spaced plungers 583a, I337), I330, I Std, 5838 and Secured to frame Iiii, as by screws use, are plural micro-switches I 85a, I351), i350.- li ie at ic and 485i, each being disposed in operative with the respective plungers 533a, etc. Switches 5 235a, through I 85c, inclusive, are of the normally open type and switch 155 is of the type having a pair of fixed contacts and a swinging contact engageable alternately therewith. Switches 5535s through I 85c are adapted to be closed by key 5 i9 engaging plungers I83 upon the rotating thereof. Switch I851 is actuable by the insertion oi lzey ills in bore I61. To selectively actuate predetermined combinations of switches less, little, and I55cl, keys I19 are discriminately provided with transverse grooves I55 in V11. ch plungers 533 may enter upon the rotating of said key. In this manner, those plungers lBfi entering said grooves are not actuated while the remaining plungers not having grooves I 86 to enter, are actuated and the respective switches closed thereby. Accordingly, each operator is issued an individually differing key I 79 having differing grooves its which actuates an individual combination of switches I85. The actuated switches control means described in the cited copending application, that effectively identifies the particular key and consequently the operator using said key. It will be noted that key I79 is provided in two forms, i. e., a long form llQa and a short form list. The long form key Ilsa is arranged to actuate collar no to permit the removal of key 555 while the short form key I191) cannot reach pin I72, and therefore cannot actuate collar I it Key Ilsa is provided for mainteanoe use only, whereby key I65 may be removed and nserted in cover keylock I87 to permit the removal of cover Keys Il9b issued to the toll operators, do not permit removal of key 465, therefore, said toll operators cannot remove cover it to gain access to keybox l0.

Pulsing unit 25, Fig. 3, comprises a gear box affixed to vertical frame wall I I, as by screws An electric motor i s2 mounted on gear box is arranged to drive a sleeve I93 by means of gear train I94. Sleeve H3, iournalled on shaft I95 extends jointly therewith through one side of gear box E98. Coupling sleeve Is-t to shaft I85, is a clutch mechanism I56 comprising, a clutch plate collar Isl aiiixed to sleeve 93, a spring loaded clutch plate I98 affixed to shaft I95 and a cork disc I35 disposed therebetween. Secured to the end of shaft I95 extending through the other side of gear box let, is a rotary switch contact 263 dlsposed'for wiping engagement with fixed contacts 231 of switch assembly 202, secured to the gearbox. Thus, rotation of sleeve I33 by motor lSI will through said clutch mechanism, rotate shaft I and contact 2%.

A solenoid 283 mounted on gear box 596 has its armature 253 i arranged to engage a dog I980, radially extending from clutch plate W8 and hold said plate against rotation. Energization of solenoid 2&3 actuates armature 28s to release plate I93 for rotation. The energization of said solenoid is momentary, therefore, spring 205 urges armature 284 to reengage dog 598a before clutch plate I93 has completed one revolution. Thus, contact 2% wipes across fixed contacts 29! in stepping relation. The wiping action of contact 2513 with contacts 23! pulses counting means. Said counting means are fully described in the copencling application Serial No. 243,252, filed August 23, 1951.

Referring to Figs. 12, 13 and 14, the present invention appertains to means cooperable with the hereinbefcre described mechanisms to indicate the amounts of the respective tolls and the classification of the vehicle paying said tolls at a point visible to the vehicle drivers and to supervisory personnel that may be observing from a remote point.

To this end there is provided an overhead indicating device 225' of conventional structure, not shown, but indicated by dotted line in Fig. 12, having nine vertically disposed rows of incandescent bulbs individually designated 22'5 through Said bulbs are disposed in vertical and horiiii. I99

4E2. zontal linear relation and are individually energizable to form differing combinations of numbers. Said numbers are determined by the actuation of the respective amount push buttons I87 through IBt, inclusive.

Push button I89 has designated thereon the amount of one dollar and when actuated, controls the energization of incandescent bulbs 22? through 232. The subsequent energization of bulbs 22? through 232 efiectively outlines the number one.

Incandescent bulbs 25? through 212 are con- 11 trolled by the push button Iilk. Push buttons I87 through I8t control relays 215 through 285, respectively. Relay 285 controlled by push button it? further controls relay 286. Relay 285 when energized, is adapted to close normally open switches 29! through 299. Relay 286 when energized, is adapted to actuate switches 300 and 30!. Switch 300 is of the double-pole single-throw type wherein a swinging contact moves from engagement with one contact into engagement with a second contact. Switch 30! is of the normally open type adapted to close when said relay is energized. Relay 284 when energized is adapted to close normally open switches 302 through 312. Relay 203 associated with push button I85 is adapted to close normally open switches 3I5 through 320 when energized. Relay 282 associated with push button I87" is adapted to close normally open switches 32! through 330 when energized. Relay 28! is adapted to close normally open switches 33! through 336 when energized. Relay 280 associated with push button I0p is adapted to close normally open switches 33! through 342 when energized. Relay 218 associated with push button I8n is adapted to close normally open switches 35! through 359 when energized. Relay 21'! associated with push button Him is adapted to close normally open switches 360 through 369 when energized. Relay 276 associated with push button I'8l is adapted to close normally open switches 31B, 31'! and 312 when energized. Relay 2T5 associated with push button IBk is adapted to actuate switches 313 and 314 when energized. Switch 313 is of the normally open type and closes upon the energization of said relay. Switch 314 is of the double-pole singlethrow type and the swinging contact thereof is adapted to move from engagement with one contact into engagement with the second contact when said relay is energized. Relay 289 when energized is adapted to close normally open switches 315 through 380. Relay 288 when energized is adapted to close normally open switches 38! through 384.

As hereinbefore set forth, actuation of a respective classification push button closes the related switch 83. Closure of the related switch 83 energizes a related indicating device to indicate that a particular push button has been actuated.

As shown in Fig. 13, the actuation of push button I8a closes switch 83 associated therewith to complete a circuit from ACH buss 400 through said switch over conductor 40! to one terminal of indicator 402. The terminal of indicator 402 is connected to ACG buss 403. Concurrently with the actuation of push button IBa a second switch, namely switch 386, is actuated to a closed position. Switch 380 controls the energizing circuit for relay 405. This circuit may be traced as follows: from ACH buss 400, through switch 386, over conductor 406 to one terminal of relay 405. The other terminal of relay is connected to ACG buss 403. Thus, relay 45 becomes energized.

The energization of relay 405 closes switch 426 and opens switch 40'!. Switch 426 completes a circuit that energizes relay 406 over a circuit that may be traced as follows: from ACH buss 400 through cam controlled switch 409, over conductor 4I0 through closed switch 428 over conductor 4! I to one terminal of relay 408, the other terminal of relay 408 is connected to ACG buss 403, thus relay 408 becomes energized when switch 409 is closed. Switch 408 is controlled by cam I52 of the timer unit 25. The energizing of relay 408 closes normally open switches M2, M3 and 4M. Switch 4I2 when closed completes a circuit that energizes relay 4 I5. This circuit may be traced from: ACH buss 400, over conductor 4I6, through closed switch 4I2, over conductor 4I'i, to one terminal of relay M5. The other terminal of relay M5 is connected to ACG buss 4I5. Relay 403 becomes energized and switch M13 associated therewith closes. Switch 448 completes a circuit from ACG buss 400 over conductor 420 through closed switch 4I8 to conductor 42! thus conductor 42! now carries ACH potential. Switch 4 I 8 therefore, controls the ACH common conductor 42!. Switch 4I3 associated with relay 408 is disposed in parallel relation with switch 409, therefore the energization of relay 408 completes a circuit from: ACH buss 400, through switch 4 I 2, over conductors 423, M0, closed switch 426, over conductor 4H to the relay 408. A holding circuit is established by the energization of relay 408 and that is a circuit existing from common ACH conductor 42!, through switch 4I4, over conductor 422, to one terminal of switches 423 associated with each of the push buttons I87 through Iiit.

Push buttons [81) through I8h also have associated therewith related indicators 402 that are energizable upon actuation of the respective push buttons. Accordingly, since the switch 83 controlling said indicators remains actuated or in closed position even after said push buttons have been restored to normal the related indicator remains energized until a second push button is actuated.

Analogously, the incandescent bulbs controlled by the respective push buttons I8 through I8t remain energized subsequently to the returning of the respective push buttons to normal position. Thus, incandescent bulbs that are energized are extinguished upon the actuation of a second classification push button in the group I'8a through I871. and the incandescent bulbs controlled by those amount push buttons actuated immediately prior to the actuation of the second classification push button now become energized. This is accomplished by means of relays 215 through 285 remaining energized. Each of the relays 215 through 288 is adapted to control differing combinations of incandescent bulbs 22'! through 2'12. Push button I87 when actuated prepares a circuit that will subsequently energize incandescent bulbs 22! through 232. This circuit may be traced as follows: from ACH common conductor 422, through switch 423, associated with push button I87, over conductors 424, 425, the normally closed contact of switch 300, conductor 426, to the coil of relay 285. The remaining terminal of the coil of relay 285, is connected to ACG buss 403. Thus, relay 285 becomes energized when one of the classification push buttons I8a through I8h is actuated and the relays 405, 408 and 4I5 are energized. Switches 29! through 29%; associated with said relay move from a normally open position to a closed position. Switch 29! provides a holding circuit for said relay which may be traced as follows: from ACI-I common conductor 42!, over conductor 42!, through closed switch 29!, over conductors 424, 425, the closed contacts of switch 30, over conductor 426 to one terminal of the coil relay 285. The other terminal of the coil of relay 285 being connected to ACG buss 403 completes said holding circuit. Therefore, the release of push button I87 will not deenergize relay 285. Switches 292 through 299 control the following circuits to efiectively outline on indicator 225 the numerical representation of $1.00. Switch 292 when closed energizes relay 28.9 and switches 315 through 388 associated with relay 289, move from an open position to a closed position. The circuit for energizing relay 289 may be traced as follows: from ACH common conductor 42!, over conductor Q21, through switch 292, over conductor 2 3, to one terminal of the coil of relay 289. The other terminal of the coil of relay 239 is connected to ACG buss 393. Thus, relay 2 39 energizes. Switch 315 completes a circuit that energizes incandescent bulb 2:54. This circuit exist-s from ACH common conductor 42L through closed switch 3l5, over conductors sze, 439, to one terminal of the incandescent bulb 24 5. The other terminal of incandescent bulb 244 is connected by conductor 43! to ACG buss 3533. Thus, incandescent bulb 244 is energized.

Switch are completes a circuit to incandescent bulb 235 as follows: f om ACl-I buss 32!, through said switch, over conductors 435, 336, to one terminal of bulb 234. The other terminal of bulb 23-; is connected by conductor 3I to ACG common 4st.

Switch 3?? completes a circuit as follows: from ACH buss 421, through said switch, over conductors 53?, i-i3, to one terminal or" incandescent bulb 253. The other terminal of incandescent bulb 253 connected by conductor 439 to ACG common 03.

Switch 3'58 completes a circuit from ACE buss 52i through said switch and over conductors Mil, Ml, to one terminal of bulb 23?. The other terminal of bulb it? is connected to conductor t3! and ACG buss 593.

Switch completes a circuit from ACH buss sat through said switch and over conductors M2, ie-3, to one terminal of bulb 252. The other terminal of bulb 252 is connected by conductor 439 to ACG common Switch 3% completes a circuit from ACE buss 42! through said switch, over conductors 1 35, ied to one terminal of incandescent bulb 239. The other terminal of incan descent bulb 239 is connected by conductor is! to ACG common tilt.

Sw' ch 2&3 associated with relay 255 when actuated completes a circuit from ACT-l buss till through said switch, over conductors 4G5, and 4-H, to one terminal of each incandescent bulb in re group through The opposite terminal of each of said bulbs is connected by conductor to AUG common 3533.

Switch completes a circuit from ACH buss 42:, through said switch, over conductor 55i, to one terminal or" incandescent bulb 255. The other terminal of said bulb is connected by conductor 432 to ACG- common 533.

Switch 2% completes a circuit from ACH bus 326, through said switch, over conductor 352, to one terminal of incandescent bulb 235. The terminal of said bulb is connected by conductor 43! to ACG common 4%.

Switch iti completes a circuit from ACE buss 42! through said switch and over conductor 453 to one terminal or" incandescent bulb 25 3. The other terminal of said bulb is connected by conductor to AC6 common 583.

Switch 293 completes a circuit fr in ACH buss 52i through said switch, over conductor e54 to one terminal of incandescent bulb 235. The other terminal of said bulb is connected by conductor 33i to ACG common M3.

Switch 239 completes a circuit from ACH buss 42l through said switch, over conductors 45%,

456, to one terminal of incandescent bulb 2st. The other terminal of said bulb is connected by conductor 439 to ACG common s03.

Switch 314 associated with relay 2E5 normally completes a circuit when said relay is deenergized. This circuit exists from ACI-I buss 62!, over conductor 358, through the normally closed contact of said switch, over conductor 559' to one terminal of incandescent bulb 256. The other terminal of said bulb is connected by conductor 469 to ACG buss 383. Further, a parallel circuit exists from conductor 459, over conductor lfil to one terminal of each of the respective bulbs 21%, Ell. A standby circuit exists from ACH buss s22, over conductor 352 to one contact of each of the respective incandescent bulbs 255, 25$ and 26!. The other terminals of said incandescent bulbs are commonly connected to conductor 25?} which is in turn connected to AC6 common e33. Another parallel circuit exists from conductor 532, over conductor 4%, to one terminal of each of the incandescent bulbs 28%? and 26%. A third parallel circuit exists from conductor 463, over conductor 464 to one terminal of each of the incandescent bulbs 262, 26?, 255 and 2%. The other terminals of incandescent bulbs 25%, 27!, 218, 269, 268 and 23? are commonly COIll1=3.Jd to AC6 conductor 393.

Thus, incandescent bulbs 22? through 232 are energized to effectively outline the hundreds digit one. Incandescent bulbs 2 3d, 2&5,

23S, 23?, 235, 12-35 and 23 i effectively outline in the tens column a zero.

In the units column incandescent bulbs 2%, t, 259, 265, 232, 23?, 2558, 269, 270, ill, 2% i are energized to effectively outline a Thus, the digits representing one dollar are shown on indicator 225.

The release of push button it interrupts the initial circ it that energized the associated relay However, the aforesaid holding circuit 285. maintains said relay in energized condition. analogously, relay 28%? remains energised after said push button has restored to normal. Therefore, the numerical representation of one collar remains on said indicator until subsequent push button of the group Eta through lth is actuated.

Upon the restoration of the previously depressed push button in the group 18a through liih, the actuated switch in the group 386 through. opens and relay 665 deenergizes. Switch l -ll returns to a closed relationship while switch 425 restores to an open relationshi' Howey r, switch dill is so designed that said switch close prior to the opening of switch 126. in t is manner relay 265 rein ns switch tit associated thereu th remains closed thereby effectively energizing ACH common iii to corn tinue supplying potential to the aforesaid hol ing circuits. Relay tilt is deenergized the of switch #326 switches 42, ll-i and ti l associated with said relay return to open position. Switch lid accordingly interrupts the supply of ACE potential to ACE common 22. Consequently, any of the amount push buttons in. the group I89 through 82? may be depressed to set up a new amount without energizing the related groups of incandescent bulbs in indicator released and the switch 8,3 associated with newly depressed push button is actuated. The

15 classification indicator 402 associated therewith becomes energized and the previous classification is deenergized. The particular switch in the group of switches 306 through 393 that is closed by the actuated classification push button energizes relay 405. Switch 40'! accordingly opens and switch 426 closes. The opening of switch 40! interrupts the energizing circuit for relay 4 5 and switch 4!!) associated therewith also opens. Thus, the relays previously held energized in the group 225 through 289 are deenergized and all switches associated therewith return to their initial positions. Relay 408 however, does not reenergize immediately upon the closure of switch 426 since switch 409 associated with the timing mechanism has opened. After a pre determined period of time, switch 400 is closed and relay 408 energizes. The closure of switch 4l2 reenergizes relay M5 and switch 4E8 once more closes, thus applying ACH potential to buss 42 I. Thus, those push buttons that are depressed n the group I8j through I823 complete circuits to their related relays and the switches associated with said energized relays control circuits that outline on indicator 225, the numerical representations corresponding to the new set-up amount.

The predetermined time period that switch 409 is held open by cam I52 provides a black-out period whereby all incandescent bulbs are deenergized. This black-out period improves the readability of the subsequently outlined numbers by preventing rapidly repeated amount set-ups that would otherwise confuse and interfere with the visual reading thereof.

Relay 275, controlled by push button Itilc, when energized, effectively deenergizes certain of the incandescent bulbs in the units column and energizes other incandescent bulbs. Thus, the units column will indicate either a zero, if relay H5 is deenergized or the digit five if said relay is energized. Switch 373 associated with relay 2'55 provides a holding circuit for said relay after the initial circuit controlled by push button I8k has been completed. Said holding circuit operates in an analogous manner to the holding circuit heretofore described for push button I87. Switch 324 when actuated, interrupts the circuit that supplies potential to incandescent bulbs 25! 22!, 210. The uppermost contact of switch is engaged by the swinging contact of said switch and a second circuit is completed to incandescent bulbs 251, 253, 236 and 212. This circuit may be traced as follows: from ACH buss 421, over conductor 458, through the closed con- ,1,

tacts of switch 374, over conductor 410 to one terminal of incandescent bulb 257. A parallel circuit exists from conductor 410 over conductor 43!, to one terminal of incandescent bulb 212. The other terminals of incandescent bulbs 21! and are connected respectively to conductors 433 and 455 and are, in turn, connected to ACG common 453. A third parallel circuit exists from conductor 475 over conductor 41'! and 474 to one terminal of each of the respective incandescent bulbs 233 and 255, the other terminals of which are respectively connected to conductors 450 and 435. Incandescent bulbs 264, 265, 258, 259, 263, 253, 239, 253, 267, 262 and 26! are energized through a common conductor 462, therefore, the additional energization of incandescent bulbs 25'! and 2'12 eifectively outlines the number five in the units column of said indicator.

Push buttons I37 and I8k may be depressed in addition to one of the group of push buttons I8l through I812. The latter group of push buttons effectively outlines the digits 1 through 9. For example, relay 2'55, controlled by push button I81 moves switches 310, 31! and 312 to a closed position when energized, whereby incandescent bulbs 245, 246, 241, 248, 249, 250 are energized to outline in the tens column the number one. 1

Diifering combination of incandescent bulbs may be energized in the tens column to outline the respective numerals one through nine. These combinations are controlled by actuation of the respective push buttons I8Z through I8t.

Push button I8m when actuated, initially energizes relay 217. Switches 350 through 300 associated therewith accordingly move from an open position to a closed position. In so doing incandescent bulbs 234, 244, 245, 255, 241, 24!, 231, 238, 233, 25B and 25! are energized to outline the numeral ten.

Push button i311 initially energizes relay 218. Switches 35! through 359 associated therewith are moved from a normally open position to a closed position to energize incandescent bulbs 233, 244, 245, 256, 255, 24?, 253, 252, 250, 239 and 231. When so energized, said incandescent bulbs outline the numeral three.

Push button I initially energizes relay 219 to close switches 343 through 350 associated therewith. Said switches energize incandescent bulbs 253, 249, 248, 241, 246, 245, 243, 235, 235, '24! and 253 to outline the numeral four.

Push button I8p initially energizes relay 280 to actuate switches 333 through 342 associated therewith. Said switches energize incandescent bulbs 256, 245, 244, 233, 234,235, 242, 24?, 253, 252, 250, 239 and 23'! to outline the ntuneral five.

Push button I8q controls relay 282 and accordingly switches 33 I, 332, 333, 334, 335 and 338. Said switches when actuated energize incandescent bulbs 245, 244, 234, 235, 235, 231, 239, 253, 252, 253, 24! and 242 to outline the numerical digit six.

Push button E81 controls relay 232 which when energized, actuates switches 32! through 330 associated therewith. Said switches energize incandescent bulbs 233, 244, 245, 255, 255, 24?, 24!, 23'! and 238 to outline the number seven.

Push button ids controls relay 283. Switches 3I5 through 320 associated therewith are closed with the energization of said relay. Incandescent bulbs 244, 245, 255, 241, 253, 252, 250, 239, 231, 236, 242 and 234 are energized by said switches to outline the numerical digit eight.

Push button I8t controls the energization of relay 234. Switches 302 through 5H2 associated therewith are adapted to close when said relay is energized. Said switches further energize incandescent bulbs 230, 250,252, 253, 254, 255,245, 244, 234, 235, 242 and 24'! to outline the numerical digit nine.

Thus, push button I87 controls the hundreds column. Push button I8Z through Hit selectively control the tens column and push button I8k controls the units column. Therefore, actuation of push buttons I87, Iilk and one of the group in I8Z through Ifit will indicate in overhead indi cator 225 the amount of toll that has been paid by a particular vehicle utilizing the toll facilities.

Relays 216 through 284 are provided with holding circuits similar to the holding circuit hereinbefore described for relay 285. A detailed recitation of said holding circuits has been omitted to avoid undue repetition. However, reference to 'Figs. 13 and 14 of the drawings will clearly show these circuits.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which the several objects of this invention are achieved and which is well adapted to meet the conditions of practical use.

The invention claimed is:

I. In combination, a plurality of amount push buttons, each being representative of a fixed amount, each amount differing one from the other, common amount indicating means, comprising means to indicate plural columns of variable and differing amounts, means operative upon pressing one of said buttons to preset a plurality of said plural column indicating means, a plurality of classification buttons, a classification indicating means associated with each classification button, and means operative upon pressing a classification button after pressing a selected amount push button .for energizing the plural preset amount indicating means to indicate an amount having a plurality of digits in aligned columnar relation corresponding to the fixed amount represented by the pressed amount push button.

2. In combination, a plurality of amount push buttons, each being representative of a fixed amount, and each amount difiering one from the other amount indicating means, comprising means to indicate plural columns of variable and difiering amounts, means operative upon pressing one of said buttons to preset a plurality of said plural column indicating means, a plurality of classification buttons, a classification indicating means associated with each classification button, means operative upon pressing a classification button after pressing a selected amount push button for energizing the plural preset amount indicating means to indicate an amount having a, plurality of digits in aligned columnar relation corresponding to the fixed amount represented by the pressed amount push button, and means to delay the energization of the preset amount indicating means for a predetermined period of time after pressing said classification button.

3. In combination, a plurality of amount push buttons, each being representative of a fixed amount, and each amount differing one from the other, common amount indicating means, comprising means to indicate plural columns of variable and differing amounts, means operative upon pressing one of said buttons to preset a plurality of said plural column indicating means, a plurality of classification buttons, a classification indicating means associated with each classification button, means operative upon pressing a classification button after pressing a selected amount push button for energizing the plural preset amount indicating means to indicate an amount having a plurality of digits in aligned columnar relation corresponding to the fixed amount represented by the pressed amount push button, means to delay the energization of the preset amount indicating means for a predetermined period of time after pressing said clasification button, and means to maintain the preset indicating means in energized conditions for a predetermined period of time after said preset indicating means is energized.

4. In combination, a plurality of amount push buttons, each being representative of a fixed amount, and each amount differing one from the other, common amount indicating means, comprising means to indicate plural columns of variable and difiering amounts, means operative upon pressing one of said buttons to preset a plurality of said plural column indicating means, a plurality of classification buttons, a classification indicating means associated with each classification button, means operative upon pressing a classification button after pressing a selected amount push button for energizing the plural preset amount indicating means to indicate an amount having a plurality of digits in aligned columnar relation corresponding to the fixed amount represented by the pressed amount push button, means to delay the energization of the preset amount indicating means for a predetermined period of time after pressing said classification button, means to maintain the preset indicating means in energized conditions for a predetermined period of time after said preset indicating means is energized, and means to prevent de-energization of said preset indicating means during the predetermined period of time that the indicating means is energized.

5. In combination, a plurality of amount push buttons, each being representative of a differing amount, amount indicating means comprising means to indicate plural columns of difiering amounts, means operative upon pressing one of said buttons to preset a plurality of said plural column indicating means, a plurality of classification buttons, a classification indicating means associated with each classification button, means operative upon pressing a classification button after pressing a selected amount button for energizing the plural preset amount indicating means to indicate an amount having a plurality of digits therein corresponding to the amount represented by the pressed amount push button, means to delay the energization of the preset amount indicating means for a predetermined period of time after pressing said classification button, means to maintain the energized amount indicating means in energized condition for at least a predetermined period of time, means to maintain the energized amount indicating means in energized condition after the pressed buttons have returned to their initial positions, and means to de-energize said energized amount indicating means after said predetermined period of energization and upon actuation of a second amount button and a classification button.

6. In combination, a plurality of amountpush buttons, each being representative of a differing amount, amount indicating means comprising means to indicate plural columns of differing amounts, means operative uponpressing one of said buttons to preset a plurality of said plural column indicating means, a plurality of classification buttons, a classification indicating means associated with each classification button, means operative upon pressing a classification button after pressing a selected amount button for energizing the plural preset amount indicating means to indicate an amount having a plurality on digits therein corresponding to the amount represented by the pressed amount push button, means to delay the energization of the preset amount indicating means for a predetermined period of time after pressing said classification button, means to maintain the energized amount indicating means in energized condition for at least a predetermined period of time, means to maintain the energizedamount-indicating means in energized condition after the pressed buttons have returned to their initial position, means to de-energize said energized amount indicating means after said predetermined period of energization and upon actuation of a second amount button and a classification button, and means to prevent tie-energization :of said energized amount 19 indicating means upon the actuation of a second amount push button until at least one of said plurality of classification buttons has been pressed.

'7. In combination, a plurality of amount push buttons, an amount indicating means associated with each button having portions thereof in common with other amount indicating means, means normally energizing some portions of said amount indicating means, means operative upon pressing one of said buttons to preset its indicating means, a plurality of classification buttons, a classification indicating means associated with each classification button, and means operative upon pressing a classification button after pressing an amount button for deenergizing said normally energized portions of the said amount indicating means and energizing the preset amount indicating means associated with the pressed amount button.

3. In combination, plural groups of amount push buttons, a common indicating device comprising a plurality of energizable indicators, each of said pluralities of indicators comprising means to indicate a column of numerical data, a plurality of classification buttons, a classification indicating means associated with each classification button, means to prevent concurrent pressing of two or more buttons in each of said groups of amount and classification buttons, means operative upon pressing a classification button to energize the plurality of indicating means associated with pressed amount push buttons for ener izing the preset amount indicating means associated with the pressed amount buttons to indicate plural columns of numerical data.

9. In combination, a hundreds amount push button, a plurality of tens amount push buttons, a unit amount push button, an indicating device comprising a plurality of energizable indicators disposed in units, tens and hundreds columnar relation, each of said columns of indicators associated with the respective units, tens and hundreds amount push buttons, means normally energizing pluralities of said energizable indicators to indicate zero in the units and tens columns, a plurality of classification buttons, a classification indicating means associated with each classification button, means operative upon pressing a respective unit, tens and hundreds amount push button to preset the associated indicator, and means operative upon pressing a classification button after pressing at least one of said amount buttons, for de-energizing the normally energized indicators and energizing the related preset amount indicators.

10. In combination, an amount push button, an amount indicating means associated with said button for indicating the numerical value of the amount designated to said button, means operative upon pressing said button to preset said indicating means, means normally energizing said indicating means to indicate a zero value, a plurality of classification push buttons, means operative upon pressing one of said classification push buttons after pressing said amount push button for de-energizing the zero value indicated by said indicating means, and energizing said indicating means to indicate the related value of said amount push button.

11. In combination, a plurality of amount push buttons, relay means associated with each push button, auxilitary relay means associated with some of said push buttons, an indicating device comprising pluralities of energizable indicators disposed in columnar relation, means operative by said auxiliary relay means to normally energize some of said energizable indicators, means operative upon the pressing of one of said amount push buttons to preset the relay means associated therewith, a plurality of classification push buttons, and means operative upon actuation of one of said classification push buttons to energize said preset relay means, and means controlled by said energized preset relay means for controlling the auxiliary relay means to de-energize the normally energized indicators and energize other indicators to indicate the numerical value of the pressed amount push button.

12. In combination, a first series of push buttons, a second series of push buttons, an indicating means associated with each of said first series of push buttons, means to preset said indicating means upon the pressing of one of said first series of push buttons, indicating means associated with each of said second series of push buttons, means operative upon pressing one of said second series of push buttons after pressing one of said first series of push buttons to energize their related indicating means, means to delay energization of the indicating means associated with the pressed push button in said first series of push buttons for a predetermined period of time after the pressing of the selected button in said second series of push buttons, timing means, means controlled by said timing means to actuate said relay means, means to latch the pressed push buttons in pressed condition, and means operable by said timing means to release said last means to release the pressed push buttons a predetermined time after the delay-energized indicating means have energized.

13. In combination, a first series of push buttons, a second series of push buttons, an indicating means associated with each of said first series of push buttons, means to preset said indicating means upon the pressing of one of said first series of push buttons, indicating means associated with each of said second series of push buttons, means operative upon pressing one of said second series of push buttons after pressing one of said first series of push buttons to energize their related indicating means, means to delay energization of the indicating means associated with the pressed push button in said first series of push buttons for a predetermined period of time after the pressing of the selected button in said second series of push buttons, timing means, means controlled by said timing means to actuate said delay means, means to latch the pressed push buttons in pressed condition, means operable by said timing means to release said last means to release'the pressed push buttons a predetermined time after the delay-energized indicating means have energized, and means to maintain all of said indicating means in energized condition after said push buttons have been released and have returned to their initial positions.

14. In combination, a push button, a relay associated therewith energizable upon the pressing of said push button, circuit means preset by the energization of said relay, indicating means associated with said circuit means, comprising means to indicate plural columns of numerical data a second push button, circuit means associated with said second push button, and means controlled by said second circuit means operable to energize the first circuit means References Cited in the file of this patent Number UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Nelson June 9, 1936 Number 22 Name Date Kimball May 25, 1937 Boswau Jan. 3, 1939 Haselton et a1. Feb. 7, 1939 Baur et a1 Dec. 12, 1944 Zemel Sept. 18, 1951 

